Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A developing roller is supported by a cleaning frame and is used for an image forming process. The electrode plate 901 is electrically connected to the charging roller. The electrode plate 901 is exposed to the outside of the process cartridge and includes a contact portion 901a configured to contact a spring contact 911 of the main assembly. The contact portion 901a includes a bottom surface 901c as a flat surface, an outermost surface 901f positioned further outward of the cleaning frame than the bottom surface 901c in a normal direction of the bottom surface 901c, and an inner wall 901d connecting the bottom surface 901c and the outermost surface 901f.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus provided with the cartridge. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that a member (processing member) for image formation such as a photosensitive drum is integrated in a frame to form a box structure that can be mounted and disassembled relative to the main component of the image forming apparatus. This box structure is such that a main component side electrode member provided to the main component and an electrode member of the box are in contact with each other in a state where the box is mounted to the main component, and the processing member is electrically connected to the main component. Here, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-63750, as an example of a box side electrode member, a structure in which a conductive resin is injected into a frame constituting the box is disclosed. Summary of the invention

[0003] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Here, in the configuration in which the electrode member is provided to the box, in some cases, it is preferred to use a highly flame-retardant material as the frame of the box in order to further improve electrical safety near the electrode member. Therefore, there is a problem that the material selection for the frame is limited.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a box which allows a high degree of freedom in the choice of material for the frame.

[0006] [Methods used to solve the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a box, comprising: a frame; a processing member, which is supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; and an electrode member, which is electrically connected to the processing member, wherein the electrode member includes an electrical contact portion, which is exposed to the outside of the box and to which electric power for being supplied to the processing member is supplied from the outside of the box, and wherein the electrical contact portion includes a first surface which is a flat surface, a second surface which is positioned on the outer side of the frame than the first surface along the normal direction of the first surface, and a connecting surface connecting the first surface and the second surface.

[0008] In addition, the present invention also provides a box that can be installed to and removed from the main component of an imaging device, the box including: a frame; a processing component, which is supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; and an electrode component, which is electrically connected to the processing component, wherein the electrode component includes an electrical contact portion, which is exposed to the outside of the box and is configured to contact the main component side electrode member of the main component, and wherein the electrical contact portion includes a first surface constructed of multiple flat surfaces whose angles are different from each other along their normal directions, and a second surface positioned further outside the frame than the first surface.

[0009] In addition, the present invention also provides a box, comprising: a photosensitive drum, which is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis; a developing roller, which is configured to supply colorant to the photosensitive drum and rotate around a second rotation axis; a developing scraper, which is configured to control the layer thickness of the colorant carried by the developing roller; a supply roller, which is configured to supply the colorant to the developing roller; a first electrical contact portion, which is electrically connected to the developing roller and supplies power for being supplied to the developing roller from the outside of the box to the first electrical contact portion; and a second electrical contact portion, which is electrically connected to the developing scraper and supplies power from the outside of the box to the first electrical contact portion. The second electrical contact portion is externally supplied with electric power for being supplied to the developing scraper; and a third electrical contact portion, the third electrical contact portion is electrically connected to the supply roller and the electric power for being supplied to the supply roller is supplied to the third electrical contact portion from the outside of the box, wherein, when an imaginary line passing through the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis as viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis is a first imaginary line, the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion and the third electrical contact portion are arranged on a second imaginary line parallel to the first imaginary line and are aligned in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends as viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis.

[0010] [Effects of the invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a box having a high degree of freedom in selecting a material for a frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a general configuration of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 is a front view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 aa cross-sectional view.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 bb cross-sectional view.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 cc cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 6 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 6 Part (b) is as in Figure 6 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the processing box when viewed from different directions.

[0018] Figure 7 Part (a) is a side view of the process cartridge showing a contact state of the developing unit relative to the photosensitive drum, and Figure 7 Part (b) is a side view of the process cartridge showing a separated state of the developing unit relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0019] Figure 8 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 DD cross-sectional view.

[0021] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 ee cross-sectional view.

[0022] Fig.11 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge according to Embodiment 1, and Fig.11 Part (b) is as in Fig.11 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge when viewed from different directions.

[0023] Fig.12 Part (a) is a schematic perspective view showing an inserted state of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly, and Fig.12 Part (b) is a schematic perspective view showing an inserted state of the toner cartridge relative to the main assembly.

[0024] Fig.13 Part (a) is a schematic side view showing an inserted state of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly, Fig.13 Part (b) is a schematic side view showing an inserted state of the toner cartridge relative to the main assembly, and Fig.13 Part (c) of FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the process cartridge and the toner cartridge are mounted to the main assembly.

[0025] Fig.14is a side view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] Fig.15 is like Fig.14 A side view of the processing box when viewed from the opposite side.

[0027] Fig.16 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of an electrode member of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] Fig.17 is an exploded perspective view extracting and showing a part of the configuration around the electrode member of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Fig.18 : is a perspective view of a portion of the configuration around the electrode member of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1 when extracted and viewed from the charging roller side.

[0030] Fig.19 : is a perspective view of a portion of the configuration around the electrode member of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1 when it is extracted and viewed at the electrode member side.

[0031] Fig. 20 Part (a) is a front view showing the relationship between the electrode member of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1 and the spring contact of the main assembly, Fig. 20 Part (b) is Fig. 20 ff cross-sectional view of part (a), and Fig. 20 Part (c) is Fig. 20 (a) gg cross-sectional view of part .

[0032] Fig.21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a spark restricting region in an electrode member according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Fig. 22 Part (a) is a front view of an extraction of the structure around the electric contacts corresponding to the electric contacts of the developing unit of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1, and Fig. 22 Part (b) is Fig. 22 Hh cross-sectional view of part (a).

[0034] Fig.23 1 is a side view of a state in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller according to Embodiment 1 are separated in the process cartridge.

[0035] Fig.24 Part (a) and part (b) of the present invention include side views showing other states in which the photosensitive drum and the developing roller according to Embodiment 1 are separated in the process cartridge.

[0036] Fig.25 is a perspective view of an electrode member according to Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] <Example 1>

[0038] Will use Figures 1 to 23 To describe Example 1. First, use Figure 1 The overall configuration of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

[0039] [Imaging equipment]

[0040] The image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment is an electrophotographic type laser printer. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a main assembly (printer main assembly) A, a process cartridge B as an image forming portion, and a toner cartridge C. In the main assembly A, a laser scanner 101, a sheet conveying portion 102, a sheet feeding portion 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing portion 105, a sheet discharging portion 110, a reverse conveying portion 111, and the like are arranged. In addition, although the details will be described below, in the main assembly A, the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are arranged to be attachable to and detachable from the main assembly. Therefore, the main assembly A includes an opening / closing door 107.

[0041] The process cartridge B includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing member and a photosensitive member, a charging roller 12 as a charging member, a developing unit 15, and a cleaning blade 17 as a cleaning member. Above the process cartridge B, a laser scanner 101 as an exposure device is arranged.

[0042] The charging roller 12 is arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and charges the photosensitive drum 11 by applying a voltage from the main assembly A. In addition, the charging roller 12 rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11. The developing unit 15 is provided with a developing roller 16 as a developer carrying member that carries and conveys a toner as a developer. The developing roller 16 is arranged to be opposite to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0043] The cleaning blade 17 is a member having elasticity and arranged to contact the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. By elastically contacting the photosensitive drum 11 with the tip of the cleaning blade 17, the cleaning blade 17 removes toner remaining after a sheet S (to be described below) passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0044] The sheet feeding section 103 includes a cassette 103a, a pickup roller 103b that feeds the uppermost sheet S accommodated in the cassette 103a, and a separation roller 103c and a separation pad 103d that separate the sheet S fed by the pickup roller 103b into individual sheets. The sheet conveying section 102 includes a conveying roller pair 102a and a registration roller pair 102b that convey the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding section 103. The registration roller pair 102b conveys the sheet S to a transfer section between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 in synchronization with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0045] The fixing part 105 includes a fixing roller 105a heated by a heat source such as a heater and a pressing roller 105b forming a fixing nip in which a sheet is sandwiched between the pressing roller 105b and the fixing roller 105a. The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer part is conveyed to the fixing part 105, and is heated and pressed in the fixing nip. Thus, the toner image is fixed to the sheet S.

[0046] The sheet discharge portion 110 includes a discharge roller pair 110a, and discharges the sheet S having the toner image fixed thereon to the discharge tray 106 by means of the discharge roller pair 110a. The reverse conveying portion 111 includes a reverse conveying roller pair 111a, and, with images formed on both sides of the sheet S, reverses the front and back sides of the sheet S having passed through the fixing portion 105, and conveys the sheet S toward the registration roller pair 102b.

[0047] Next, we will use Figure 1 The operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is described below. The photosensitive drum 11, which is rotationally driven by a driving source (motor) not shown, is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a charging roller 12. With respect to the photosensitive drum 11 after charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum is exposed based on image information by a laser scanner 101, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by removing the charge in the exposed area. By supplying toner from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11, the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0048] At the same time, in parallel with this forming operation of the toner image, a sheet S is fed from the sheet feeding portion 103. In synchronization with the timing of forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding portion 103 is conveyed to the transfer portion by the registration roller pair 102b. When the sheet S passes through the transfer portion, a voltage is applied from the main assembly A to the transfer roller 104, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the sheet S as an unfixed toner image. After that, the sheet S having the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing portion 105, and the unfixed toner image is heated, pressed, and fixed to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet S having the toner image fixed thereon is discharged by the sheet discharging portion 110 to the discharge tray 106 and stacked thereon. Incidentally, in the case where images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, the sheet S is conveyed to the reverse conveying portion 111 , and a toner image is formed on the back surface of the sheet S in the same manner as described above.

[0049] [Processing cartridge]

[0050] Will use Figures 2 to 7 To describe the process box B. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the process cartridge B is composed of a cleaning unit (first unit, drum unit) 10 provided with a photosensitive drum 11 and a cleaning blade 17, and a developing unit (second unit) 15 provided with a developing roller 16. The cleaning unit 10 includes the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 11, the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12, the charging roller cleaner 14 as a cleaning member for the charging roller 12, a waste toner primary accommodating portion 10a, a first waste toner conveying path 10b, and a second waste toner conveying path 10c. The toner (waste toner) removed from the photosensitive drum 11 by the cleaning blade 17 is conveyed from the waste toner primary accommodating portion 10a to the toner cartridge C through the first waste toner conveying path 10b and the second waste toner conveying path 10c.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the developing unit 15 includes a developing chamber 151 in which a developing roller 16, a supply roller 13, a developing blade 18 and the developing roller 16 are arranged, a developer accommodating chamber 152 for supplying toner to the developing chamber 151, and a toner receiving chamber 153 for receiving toner supplied from a toner cartridge C. The developing roller 16 rotates while carrying toner, and supplies the toner to the developing area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11. And, the developing roller 16 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by using the toner. The supply roller 13 supplies the toner in the developing chamber 151 to the developing roller 16. Such a supply roller 13 is arranged so that its rotation axis direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 16, and an elastic layer such as sponge is formed on its outer peripheral surface to facilitate the conveyance of the developer. The developing blade 18 controls the layer thickness (amount) of the toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16 (carried by it) by contacting the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16. In addition, the developing blade 18 also applies triboelectric charge to the toner.

[0052] The developer containing chamber 152 is communicated with the developing chamber 151, and contains the toner to be supplied to the developing chamber 151. The toner contained in the developer containing chamber 152 is moved to the developing chamber 151 by the rotation of the stirring member 154, and is supplied to the developing roller 16. The remaining amount of the toner in the developer containing chamber 152 is detected by a remaining amount detecting portion not shown. And, when the amount of toner in the developer containing chamber 152 becomes a certain amount or less, the toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B.

[0053] The toner receiving chamber 153 is communicated with the developer containing chamber 152, and the toner replenished (supplied) from the toner cartridge C is supplied to the developer containing chamber 152. The supply of the toner from the toner cartridge C to the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge B is performed via the supply port 21c of the stay 21, the toner receiving chamber 153, and the receiving and feeding port 21d, and the toner is contained in the developer containing chamber 152.

[0054] Next, we will use Figure 3 , Figure 6 Part (a) and part (b) of Figure 7 Part (a) and part (b) of the present invention describe in more detail the construction of the process cartridge B. As mentioned above, the cleaning unit 10 includes the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning blade 17. Similarly, the developing unit 15 includes the developing roller 16, the developing blade 18, the developing chamber 151, the developer containing chamber 152, and the toner receiving chamber 153.

[0055] like Figure 6As shown in part (a) and part (b) of the drawings, the cleaning unit 10 is composed of a cleaning frame 20, a support member 21 and a side cover 7. The cleaning frame 20 supports the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12 and the charging roller cleaner 14. Figure 6 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 7 , one side of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported by a drum pin 22 attached to the cleaning frame 20 , and the other side thereof is rotatably supported by a photosensitive drum supporting portion 7 b provided to the side cover 7 .

[0056] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, in the end portions in the axial direction of the developing roller 16, support members 4 and 5 are arranged, and the developing unit 15 is connected to the cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable around a swing axis 8 defined by a straight line including support axes 8a and 8b. The swing axis 8 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0057] The configuration in which the developing unit 15 is supported by the cleaning unit 10 will be described in detail. Figure 6 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the cylindrical portion 5a provided to the supporting member 5 is supported by the cylindrical hole portion 7a provided to the side cover 7 of the cleaning unit 10. The supporting axis 8a is defined by the common axis of the cylindrical hole portion 7a of the side cover 7 and the cylindrical portion 5a of the supporting member 5. In addition, the developing coupling 155 as a driving input member receiving the drive from the main component A is provided at the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 5a of the supporting member 5.

[0058] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in part (b), the pin 6 is inserted so as to span the cylindrical hole portion 20a of the cleaning frame 20 of the cleaning unit 10 and the cylindrical hole portion 4a of the supporting member 4. The support axis 8b is defined by the common axis of the pin 6 and the cylindrical hole portion 4a of the supporting member 4. The support axis 8a and the support axis 8b are arranged substantially coaxially, and the swing axis 8 is defined by a straight line including the support axis 8a and the support axis 8b, as described above.

[0059] As described above, the developing unit 15 is rotatably supported about the swing axis 8 relative to the cleaning unit 10. And, the developing unit 15 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 11 of the cleaning unit 10 by the pressing springs 19a and 19b as elastic members, and the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11.

[0060] Next, we will use Figure 7 The contact and separation operation of the developing unit 15 relative to the cleaning unit 10 is described in part (a) and part (b). Incidentally, Figure 7 Part (a) and part (b) of FIG. 1 are explanatory diagrams in which the side cover 7 is omitted to illustrate the separation mechanism 100 of the main component A. Figure 7As shown in part (a) of the support member 5, the protruding portion 5b is provided at a position of the support member 5 opposite to the separation mechanism 100. In the present embodiment, in a state where the process cartridge B is mounted to the main component A, the separation mechanism 100 is provided below the developing unit 15. And, the protruding portion 5b is provided at a lower end portion of the support member 5. The separation mechanism 100 is provided to the main component A and is configured to be swingable in a substantially vertical direction around a swing shaft 100a by a drive source (e.g., a motor) not shown.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown in part (a), at a position where the protruding portion 5b is not in contact with the separation mechanism 100, the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 by the urging force of the pressing springs 19a and 19b. This position is an imaging position where the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 can be developed by the developing roller 16.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of the main assembly A, the developing unit 15 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 about the swing axis 8 as the center of rotation by the separation mechanism 100 provided to the main assembly A swinging around the swing shaft 100a and contacting the protruding portion 5b, and receiving the force from the separation mechanism 100 through the protruding portion 5b. Therefore, the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 against the urging force of the pressing springs 19a and 19b. This position is a non-image forming position retracted from the image forming position.

[0063] When the separation mechanism 100 is Figure 7 The position of part (b) is returned to the original position Figure 7 When the part (a) is in the position of the developing unit 15, the separation mechanism 100 is separated from the protruding portion 5b. And, the developing roller 16 is contacted with the photosensitive drum 11 again by the urging force of the pressing spring 19a and the pressing spring 19b. In this way, in the present embodiment, it becomes possible to switch the position of the developing unit 15 between the contact position (imaging position) and the separation position (non-imaging position) by the separation mechanism 100. That is, the posture of the developing unit 15 in the processing box B can be switched between the contact position and the separation position relative to the photosensitive drum 11. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration of the colorant and the unnecessary consumption of the colorant during the non-imaging period.

[0064] As described above, the developing unit 15 is configured to move between the contact position and the separation position relative to the cleaning unit 10 by rotating about the swing axis 8. Therefore, when the developing unit 15 moves between the contact position and the separation position relative to the cleaning unit 10, the position change of the developing coupling 155 can be suppressed to be as small as the fitting clearance. Specifically, when the cylindrical portion 5a of the supporting member 5 is engaged with the cylindrical hole portion 7a of the side cover 7 ( Figure 6In the part (a), the cylindrical portion 5a of the supporting member 5 and the cylindrical hole portion 7a of the side cover 7 are engaged with a fitting clearance within 0.13 mm. Therefore, when the developing unit 15 moves between the contact position and the separation position, the position change of the developing coupling 155 is not greater than the fitting clearance.

[0065] [Toner cartridge]

[0066] Next, we will use Figures 8 to 11 To describe the toner cartridge C. Figure 8 As shown, the toner cartridge C is provided with a toner supply unit 30 and a waste toner containing unit 40. The toner cartridge C can be mounted and dismounted relative to the main assembly A together with the process cartridge B, and can also be mounted and dismounted relative to the process cartridge B. The toner supply unit 30 can supply toner to the process cartridge B. The waste toner containing unit 40 can contain waste toner collected by the process cartridge B.

[0067] [Toner supply unit]

[0068] like Fig. 9 As shown, the toner supply unit 30 includes a toner supply container 31 as a first accommodating container in which toner is accommodated, and a toner outlet 31a for discharging toner from the toner supply container 31 to the outside thereof. The toner supply container 31 is formed by a supply portion frame 32a including a toner accommodating portion 30a and a supply portion cover 32b. In addition, a toner outlet 31a for discharging toner from the toner accommodating portion 30a is provided to the supply portion frame 32a. In addition, a baffle member 34 capable of opening / closing the toner outlet 31a is provided. The baffle member 34 opens / closes the toner outlet 31a by rotating in the direction of arrow R1 in conjunction with the mounting / dismounting operation of the toner cartridge C relative to the process cartridge B. The baffle member 34 is arranged on the outside of the supply portion frame 32a.

[0069] In addition, the toner accommodating portion 30a includes a toner accommodating portion screw member 35 that transports the toner toward the toner outlet 31a as a toner transport member that transports the toner toward the toner outlet 31a. In addition, the toner accommodating portion 30a includes a toner accommodating portion stirring and transporting unit 36 ​​that transports the toner toward the toner accommodating portion screw member 35.

[0070] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, the toner delivered to the toner outlet 31a is discharged from the toner outlet 31a by the volume change of the pump 37a provided to the pump unit 37. The pump unit 37 is composed of the pump 37a that changes the volume by extending and retracting, the cam 37b that extends and retracts the pump 37a by its rotation, and the link arm 37c. Figure 7 as well as Fig.11 As shown in part (a) and part (b), the toner supply unit 30 includes a stirring drive input part 38 (as a toner conveying drive part driving the toner conveying part) for driving the toner accommodating part stirring and conveying unit 36, and a pump and screw drive input part 39 for driving the pump unit 37 and the toner accommodating part screw member 35. In the pump and screw drive input part 39, a rotational driving force is input from the main component A to the pump and screw coupling part 39a having a protruding shape. The rotational driving force is converted into a reciprocating motion by the cam 37b and the connecting rod arm 37c. And, by using the reciprocating motion to expand and contract the bellows shape of the pump 37a, a volume change is obtained.

[0071] [Waste toner storage unit]

[0072] like Fig.10 As shown, the waste toner accommodating unit 40 includes a waste toner receiving port 42 for receiving waste toner from the process cartridge B, and a waste toner accommodating container 41 as a second accommodating container in which the waste toner received from the waste toner receiving port 42 is accommodated.

[0073] The waste toner storage container 41 is composed of a waste toner storage portion frame 41a including a waste toner storage portion 40a and a waste toner storage cover 41b. A waste toner receiving port 42 for receiving waste toner collected from the process cartridge is provided to the waste toner storage cover 41b. The waste toner storage cover 41b includes a waste toner baffle member 43 for opening / closing the waste toner receiving port 42. The waste toner baffle member 43 is provided along the waste toner storage portion 41b in conjunction with the installation and removal of the toner cartridge C relative to the main assembly A. Fig.10 Open / Close in the direction of the arrow R3.

[0074] like Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 As shown in part (a) of the waste toner accommodating unit 40, a partition member 46, a first waste toner accommodating screw 44, and a second waste toner accommodating screw 45 serve as waste toner conveying members for conveying waste toner in the waste toner accommodating portion 40a in the waste toner accommodating unit 40. The partition member 46 divides the space inside the waste toner accommodating unit 40 into a plurality of accommodating portions. The first waste toner accommodating screw 44 conveys the waste toner dropped from the waste toner receiving port 42 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C. The second waste toner accommodating screw 45 receives the drive from the first waste toner accommodating screw 44, and conveys the waste toner conveyed by the first waste toner accommodating screw 44 diagonally upward.

[0075] like Fig.11As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, the driving force input from the above-mentioned stirring drive input part 38 is transmitted to the non-driving side of the toner supply unit 30 via the toner accommodating part stirring and conveying unit 36, and is transmitted to the toner accommodating part stirring member non-driving side gear 38a. The drive is transmitted from the toner accommodating part stirring member non-driving side gear 38a to the first waste toner accommodating screw 44 through the waste toner accommodating part gear train 47. The driving side toner box side cover 50 is attached to the toner supply unit 30 side, and the non-driving side toner box side cover 60 is attached to the waste toner accommodating unit 40 side.

[0076] By the above-mentioned configuration, the agitation drive input portion 38 can be driven even when the pump and screw drive input portion 39 is not driven. That is, even when the toner supply unit 30 does not replenish (supply) toner to the process cartridge B, by driving the first waste toner accommodating screw 44 and the second waste toner accommodating screw 45 in the waste toner accommodating unit 40, it becomes possible to maintain the waste toner collectible state.

[0077] In addition, since it becomes possible to unify the input of the drive from the main assembly A to one end of the toner cartridge C, it becomes possible to simplify the gear train of the main assembly A. In addition, by using the toner accommodating portion stirring and conveying unit 36, by transmitting the drive from one end of the supply portion frame 32a to the other end thereof, it becomes possible to transmit the drive to the waste toner accommodating unit 40 without increasing the number of components for drive transmission. Thus, it becomes possible to accommodate the waste toner in the toner cartridge C while suppressing the increase in size of the toner cartridge C and the main assembly A in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11 due to the drive device of the toner cartridge C.

[0078] [Installation and removal method for process cartridge B and toner cartridge C]

[0079] Next, we will use Figure 6 , Fig.11 Part (a) and part (b), Fig.12 Part (a) and part (b), Fig.13 Parts (a) to (c) of Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 The following describes the installation and removal methods for the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C relative to the main assembly A. Fig.12 As shown in part (a) of the main assembly A, the internal space of the main assembly A is a mounting portion for the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. The opening / closing door 107 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the main assembly A in the direction of arrow R5 about a rotation axis 107a (see Fig.13 (a), (b) and (c) of the present invention). Fig.12Part (a) is a view of a state in which the opening / closing door 107 is opened.

[0080] In addition, the main assembly A includes a guide portion 108 and a guide portion 109. The guide portion 108 and the guide portion 109 are provided on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C in the installed state along the installation direction D of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. Figure 6 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, for the process box B, upper bosses 93 and 94 and lower bosses 95 and 96 are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction thereof, and front end bosses 97 and 98 are provided on the downstream side of the upper bosses 93 and 94 in the mounting direction.

[0081] The installation of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C to the main assembly A is performed from the process cartridge B. First, when installing the process cartridge B to the main assembly A, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 Part (a) and Fig.13 As shown in part (a), the upper boss 93 and the front end boss 98 rest on the guide portion 108, and the guide portion 108 is sandwiched by these two points and the lower boss 96. On the opposite side along the longitudinal direction of the process box B, the upper boss 93 and the front end boss 97 rest on the guide portion 109 in the same manner, and the guide portion 109 is sandwiched by these two points and the lower boss 95. Therefore, by inserting the process box B while clamping the guide portions 108 and 109 by the upper bosses 93 and 94, the front end bosses 97 and 98, and the lower bosses 95 and 96, the process box B is guided by the guide portions 108, 109 to the mounting portion inside the main component A.

[0082] This will be described in more detail. Fig.14 As shown, the installation direction D of the process cartridge B is the direction of the line connecting the lower end of the front end boss 97 and the lower end of the upper boss 93. When the user installs the process cartridge B to the main assembly A with the front end boss 97 (98) as the pivot point and the process cartridge B in the lifted posture, the posture of the process cartridge B is restricted by the lower boss 96 (95) abutting the guide portion 109 (108). The offset between the direction at this time and the installation direction D is as large as the gap between the guide portion 109 (108) and the lower boss 96 (95).

[0083] When the user installs the process cartridge B to the main assembly A with the upper boss 94 (93) as the pivot point and the process cartridge B in the lifted posture, the posture of the process cartridge B is restricted by the lower boss 96 (95) abutting the guide portion 108 (109). The offset between the direction at this time and the installation direction D is as large as the gap between the guide portion 108 (109) and the lower boss 96 (95).

[0084] As mentioned above, the installation direction D has some leeway in angle, depending on the user's installation method. Fig.14 As shown, as another way of illustrating the installation direction D, the installation direction D is defined as a direction in which the angle α formed by the line connecting the axial centers of the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 becomes 3.8°±5° when the photosensitive drum 11 is in contact with the developing roller 16.

[0085] like Fig.11 As shown in parts (a) and (b), on the front side in the installation direction D (the upstream side in the installation direction), the colorant box C includes positioning bosses 50a and 60a on both sides along its longitudinal direction. In addition, on the rear side in the installation direction D (the downstream side in the installation direction) relative to the positioning bosses 50a and 60a, the colorant box C includes guided portions 50b and 60b on both sides along its longitudinal direction. The positioning boss 50a and the guided portion 50b are arranged on the outer side in the axial direction E to the end surface of the drive side colorant box side cover 50. The positioning boss 60a and the guided portion 60b are arranged on the outer side in the axial direction E to the end surface of the non-drive side colorant box side cover 60. As Figure 6 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, the process box B includes toner box positioning parts 21a and 21b in the support member 21.

[0086] like Fig.12 Part (b) and Fig.13 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , when the toner cartridge C is mounted to the main assembly A, the toner cartridge C is mounted along the mounting direction D in a state where the guide portions 50b and 60b are placed on the guide portions 108 and 109, respectively. Fig.13 As shown in part (c), when the toner cartridge C is installed to the installation completion position, the positioning bosses 50a and 60a of the toner cartridge C enter the toner cartridge positioning portions 21a and 21b of the process cartridge B. At this time, the front end sides of the guided portions 50b and 60b in the installation direction are away from the guide portions 108 and the guide portions 109, and the rear end portions thereof are in contact with the guide portions 108 and the guide portions 109. Thus, the toner cartridge C is positioned relative to the process cartridge B. In addition, the position of the toner cartridge C in the main assembly A is determined by the rear end portions of the guided portions 50b and 60b contacting the guide portions 108 and the guide portions 109.

[0087] After the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are installed, when the opening / closing door 107 is closed, the image forming apparatus 200 becomes a state capable of image formation. When the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B are removed, the reverse process is performed.

[0088] [Charging contact structure of process cartridge]

[0089] Next, we will use Figures 16 to 21 The details of the charging contact structure of the process cartridge B in this embodiment will be described below. Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, a cleaning frame 20 as a frame and a charging roller 12 as a processing member and a charging member are provided to the cleaning unit 10. The processing member is a member for image formation, and the charging roller 12 is a rotatable member rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 20 and used for image formation. In addition, the cleaning frame 20 is composed of a resin material, and in this embodiment, is composed of a resin material having a flame retardancy of HB based on the UL94 standard.

[0090] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the charging roller support 61 is connected to the cleaning frame 20 via the charging roller support spring 910, and the charging roller 12 is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 20 via the charging roller support 61. The charging roller 12 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by rotating while being applied with a predetermined bias.

[0091] like Fig.16 and Fig.19 As shown, the cleaning unit 10 includes an electrode plate 901 as an electrode member made of metal so as to apply a predetermined bias voltage to the charging roller 12. Fig. 20 As shown in parts (a) to (c), the electrode plate 901 includes a conductive connecting portion 901b electrically connected to the charging roller 12, and a contact portion (contact portion) 901a as an electrical contact portion, which is electrically connected to a spring contact 911 as a main component side electrode member set to the main component side.

[0092] The contact portion 901a is disposed to be exposed to the outside of the cleaning frame 20 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the charging roller 12. On the other hand, the conductive connection portion 901b is inserted into the inside of the cleaning frame 20 and contacts the charging roller support spring 910. Fig. 20 As shown in parts (a) to (c) of the main assembly A, the contact portion 901a contacts the spring contact 911, which is a power supply member provided to the main assembly A. With the above-mentioned configuration, the main assembly A is electrically connected to the charging roller 12 via the spring contact 911, the electrode plate 901, the charging roller support spring 910, and the charging roller support 61. Incidentally, the rotation axis direction of the charging roller 12 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B.

[0093] Next, the electrode plate 901 will be described in more detail. Fig.16 and Fig. 20As shown, the contact portion 901a of the electrode plate 901 includes a bottom surface 901c as a first surface, an inner wall 901d as a connection surface arranged around the bottom surface 901c, and an outermost surface 901f as a second surface. The outermost surface 901f is a surface facing the outermost side when mounted on the cleaning frame 20. The bottom surface 901c is a single flat surface arranged at a position one level lower than the outermost surface 901f.

[0094] That is, the outermost surface 901f is positioned at the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 than the bottom surface 901c in the normal direction of the bottom surface 901c. In the present embodiment, the outermost surface 901f is positioned at the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 than the bottom surface 901c relative to the rotation axis direction of the charging roller 12. In addition, the bottom surface 901c and the outermost surface 901f are formed to be substantially parallel to each other, and are arranged to face the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 respectively relative to the rotation axis direction of the charging roller 12. In addition, in the state where the processing box B is mounted to the main component A, the bottom surface 901c is arranged so that the angle of the bottom surface 901c relative to the gravity direction is preferably more than -45° and less than +45°, and more preferably more than -10° and less than +10°. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 901c is arranged to be parallel to the gravity direction. Incidentally, the outermost surface 901f only needs to be positioned to be located at the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 relative to the bottom surface 901c, and does not need to be parallel to the bottom surface 901c.

[0095] The spring contact 911 provided on the main component A side is arranged to enter toward the bottom surface 901c from a position opposite to the electrode plate 901. Specifically, the spring contact 911 is formed by bending a rod-shaped member made of metal, and the bent portion enters the bottom surface 901c side from the outside of the cleaning frame 20 through the outermost surface 901f, and can contact a part of the bottom surface 901c without contacting the outermost surface 901f. In the present embodiment, it is configured that the spring contact 911 enters the bottom surface 901c side from the outside of the cleaning frame 20 toward the inside with respect to the rotation axis direction of the charging roller 12.

[0096] The inner wall 901d is an inclined surface provided to connect the outermost surface 901f and the bottom surface 901c, and is inclined relative to the normal direction of the bottom surface 901c. The inner peripheral portion (inner peripheral portion) of the bottom surface 901c side as the outermost surface 901f is positioned more outward than the outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface 901c. The inner wall 901d is an inclined surface connecting the outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface 901c and the inner peripheral portion of the outermost surface 901f, and its inclination direction is a direction away from the bottom surface 901c as it extends from the bottom surface 901c to the outermost surface 901f.

[0097] In addition, the inner wall 901d covers the entire periphery of the bottom surface 901c. The bottom surface 901c, the inner wall 901d, and the outermost surface 901f set in this way in the present embodiment are formed such that a portion of the plate made of metal is recessed. Incidentally, the inner wall 901d only needs to connect the outermost surface 901f and the bottom surface 901c, and does not need to cover the entire periphery of the bottom surface 901c. However, from the perspective of suppressing spark scattering as described below, it is preferred that the inner wall 901d covers the entire periphery of the bottom surface 901c.

[0098] Here, in the inner wall 901d, the distances (distance E1 and distance E2) between the inner walls 901d opposing each other are preferably much longer than the widths (width E3 and width E4) of the spring contact 911 entering the contact portion 901a. Thus, the spring contact 911 becomes able to contact the bottom surface 901c without contacting the inner wall 901d. Therefore, the following arrangement is constructed: around the contact point 901e between the spring contact 911 and the bottom surface 901c, there is the inner wall 901d, and in the direction of the outer surface, there is the outermost surface 901f.

[0099] With this arrangement, Fig.21 As shown, even if the inflammable foreign matter is bitten at the contact point 901e and sparks are generated due to the tracking phenomenon, the inner wall 901d as a metal member also serves as a wall to prevent the spread of fire. That is, by limiting the scattering direction of the generated sparks within the restricted area K, it becomes possible to suppress the sparks from scattering into the cleaning frame 20. Here, the restricted area K is defined as follows.

[0100] That is to say, Fig.21 As shown, in a cross section perpendicular to the bottom surface 901c, in a case where an arbitrary point on the boundary of the inner wall 901d and the outermost surface 901f is a first point α1 and a point on the boundary of the inner wall 901d and the outermost surface 901f opposite to the first point is a second point α2, a line connecting the center of the bottom surface 901c and the first point α1 is a first line β1 and a line connecting the center of the bottom surface 901c and the second point α2 is a second line β2. In the example shown in the figure, at the center of the bottom surface 901c, a contact point 901e between the bottom surface 901c and the spring contact 911 is arranged. And, the area from the first line β1 to the second line β2 is defined as a restriction area K, which restricts the scattering of sparks. In the present embodiment, the restriction area K is configured to be 120° or more. That is, the angle formed by the first line β1 and the second line β2 is configured to be 120° or more. The angle between the first line β1 and the second line β2 is preferably 170° or less, more preferably 160° or less, and even more preferably 150° or less.

[0101] By setting the angle formed by the first line β1 and the second line β2 in this way, it becomes possible to appropriately set the depth of the bottom surface 901c from the outermost surface 901f and the distance between the inner wall 901d and the boundary of the outermost surface 901f opposite to each other. That is, if the depth of the bottom surface 901c from the outermost surface 901f is too deep, the size of the electrode plate 901 in the depth direction increases, which leads to an increase in the size of the device. In addition, if the distance between the inner wall 901d and the boundary of the outermost surface 901f opposite to each other is too narrow relative to the depth, the scattering of sparks may not be sufficiently suppressed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the restriction area K is specified as described above.

[0102] In addition, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface 901c is arranged substantially parallel to the gravity direction G. Therefore, the scattered sparks fall along the gravity direction G and are less likely to adhere to the cleaning frame 20. Incidentally, the bottom surface 901c does not need to be parallel to the gravity direction G, but, for example, the bottom surface 901c may be inclined relative to the gravity direction G to face downward.

[0103] In the present embodiment, since it becomes possible to suppress the scattering of sparks to the cleaning frame 20 in this way, it becomes possible to select a material with low flame retardancy as the resin material for the cleaning frame 20. Generally, a resin with high flame retardancy has a high resin weight due to the addition of additives compared to a material with low flame retardancy, resulting in a high environmental load. By limiting the scattering of sparks and selecting a material with low flame retardancy, it becomes possible to obtain a configuration that is beneficial to safety and the environment.

[0104] [Electrical contacts of the developing unit of the process cartridge]

[0105] Next, we will use Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The electrical contacts of the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge B will be described. Fig. 22 A view showing the electrical contacts of the main assembly A corresponding to the electrical contacts of the developing unit of the process cartridge B is included. Fig.23 1 is a side view showing the positions of the electrical contacts of the developing unit 15 when the developing roller 16 of the process cartridge B is in a state separated from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0106] like Fig.14 and Fig.15As shown, the process box B includes a developing contact (first electrical contact portion) 16b for supplying power from the main component A to the developing roller 16, a developing blade contact (second electrical contact portion) 18a for supplying power to the developing blade 18, and a supply roller contact (third electrical contact portion) 13a for supplying power to the supply roller 13 at an end portion on the opposite side of the developing coupling 155 in the longitudinal direction thereof. That is, the developing contact 16b is an electrical contact portion electrically connected to the developing roller 16 and used to supply power to be supplied to the developing roller 16 from the outside of the process box B. The developing blade contact 18a is an electrical contact portion electrically connected to the developing blade 18 and used to supply power to be supplied to the developing blade 18 from the outside of the process box B. The supply roller contact 13a is an electrical contact portion electrically connected to the supply roller 13 and used to supply power to be supplied to the supply roller 13 from the outside of the process box B.

[0107] Here, the photosensitive drum 11 is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis 11a. The developing roller 16 is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis 16a. Fig.14 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis 11a, the imaginary line passing through the first rotation axis 11a and the second rotation axis 16a is the first imaginary line L1. In this case, the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a are arranged on the second imaginary line L2 parallel to the first imaginary line L1, and are aligned in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends. In addition, among the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a, the developing contact 16b is located closest to the developing roller 16. In addition, in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends, the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a are arranged in this order starting from the side close to the developing roller 16. In addition, the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a have a longer length in the direction perpendicular to the second imaginary line L2 as they are farther from the developing roller 16 in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends.

[0108] In the present embodiment, each contact is arranged on the upstream side of the installation direction relative to the swing axis 8 along the installation direction D. In addition, the order of each contact is arranged in the order of the developing contact 16b, the developing scraper contact 18a and the supply roller contact 13a starting from the downstream side of the installation direction, and each contact is arranged so that the height H16b, H18a and H13a of each contact in the direction perpendicular to the installation direction D is H13a>H18a>H16b. In addition, the developing contact 16b, the developing scraper contact 18a and the supply roller contact 13a also have a longer length in the swing direction centered on the swing axis 8 (pin 6) as they are farther away from the swing axis 8 in the order of arrangement, and the swing axis is the swing center of the developing unit 15. Fig.14, an imaginary arc M1 centered on the swing axis 8 passes through the developing contact 16b, an imaginary arc M2 centered on the swing axis 8 passes through the developing blade contact 18a, and an imaginary arc M3 centered on the swing axis 8 passes through the supply roller contact 13a. The direction indicated by these imaginary arcs is the swing direction of the developing unit 15 centered on the swing axis 8 (pin 6), and the length in this direction becomes longer as it is farther from the swing axis 8. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis 11a, the position of the swing axis 8 (pin 6) is a position between the position of the second rotation axis 16a and the position of the developing contact 16b in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends.

[0109] like Fig. 22 As shown in part (a) of the main assembly A, the main assembly A includes a main assembly developing contact 108a, a main assembly developing blade contact 108b, and a main assembly supply roller contact 108c as contacts corresponding to the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a. These contacts are arranged so as to be higher in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction D as they extend toward the upstream side of the mounting direction. That is, these contacts are arranged so as to become higher in the order of the main assembly developing contact 108a, the main assembly developing blade contact 108b, and the main assembly supply roller contact 108c.

[0110] like Fig. 22 As shown in part (b), the main component supply roller contact 108c is urged by the urging spring 108d so as to protrude toward the processing box b side, and the urging spring is urged toward the supply roller contact 13a. When the processing box B is installed, it becomes possible to receive the processing box B through the tapered shape 108c2 of the main component supply roller contact 108c. After the installation of the processing box B is completed, power is supplied through the main component supply roller contact end 108c1 of the main component supply roller contact 108c contacting the supply roller contact 13a. The main component developing contact 108a and the main component developing scraper contact 108b have the same structure. When the main component contacts are arranged in this way, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, when the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11, the point at which each contact of the process cartridge B contacts the end of the main assembly contact (108a1, 108b1 and 108c1) is arranged so that the contact on the upstream side in the mounting direction is higher.

[0111] like Fig.23As shown, in the state where the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11, since each contact is farther away from the swing center as the contact extends toward the upstream side of the mounting direction, the movement amount of each contact also increases. As described above, since the height of each contact in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction D is configured to be H13a>H18a>H16b, the tip of each main component contact (108a1, 108b1 and 108c1) does not fall off from each contact (16b, 18a, 13a) of the process box B. In other words, it becomes possible to supply power to each contact even when separated.

[0112] In addition, if Fig.23 As shown, the contacts at the most upstream side in the installation direction are arranged so that, as viewed in the axial direction of the developing roller 16, at least a portion of the position of the contacts when the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 are in contact with each other and at least a portion of the position of the contacts when the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 are separated from each other overlap. By the above-mentioned construction, it becomes possible to stably obtain the power contacts even when separated without increasing the size of the process box B. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is constructed so that, starting from the downstream side in the installation direction, the order of the contacts is the developing contact 16b, the developing blade contact 18a, and the supply roller contact 13a, however, the order may be different from this. For example, as Fig.24 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, from the downstream side to the upstream side of the mounting direction D, the order may be the developer blade contact 18a, the supply roller contact 13a, and the developer contact 16b. In other words, it may be configured such that in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends, the developer blade contact 18a, the supply roller contact 13a, and the developer contact 16b are arranged in this order starting from the side close to the developer roller 16. In addition, as Fig.24 As shown in part (b), from the downstream side to the upstream side in the mounting direction D, the order may be the supply roller contact 13a, the developer blade contact 18a, and the developer contact 16b. It may be configured so that in the direction in which the second imaginary line L2 extends, the supply roller contact 13a, the developer blade contact 18a, and the developer contact 16b are arranged in this order starting from the side close to the developer roller 16.

[0113] Incidentally, in the above example, the case where the electrode plate 901 as the charging contact is a metal plate is described. However, the electrode plate 901 may be made of a conductive resin, and even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0114] <Example 2>

[0115] Will use Fig.25Embodiment 2 is described. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the configuration of the electrode plate 902 as a charging contact is different from that in Embodiment 1. Since other configurations and actions are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are attached to the same configurations as in Embodiment 1 in order to omit or simplify their illustration and their description, and hereinafter, the points different from those in Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

[0116] The contact portion 902a of the electrode plate 902 in the present embodiment comprises an inner wall 902d as a first surface and an outermost surface 902f as a second surface, and the outermost surface is positioned at the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 than the inner wall 902d relative to the longitudinal direction of the process box B. The inner wall 902d is constructed by a plurality of flat surfaces whose normal directions are different from each other. A plurality of flat surfaces connect the vertex P and the outermost surface 902f farthest from the outermost surface 902f relative to the longitudinal direction of the process box B. In the present embodiment, by a plurality of flat surfaces, a polygonal pyramid (without bottom surface) shape is formed. The outermost surface 902f is positioned at the outer side of the cleaning frame 20 than the vertex P of the polygonal pyramid relative to the longitudinal direction of the process box B. In addition, in the present embodiment, the inner wall 902d is composed of four flat surfaces, and each flat surface has a triangular shape.

[0117] With this geometry, the spring contact 911 and the electrode plate 902 are in contact at the contact point 902e on the inner wall 902d. Thus, in the event that sparks generated from the contact point 902e on the inner wall 902d are scattered, a portion of the other surface (which is not a portion of the inner wall 902d from which the sparks are generated) becomes capable of limiting the scattering of the sparks, respectively. For example, Fig.25 As shown, it is assumed that the contact point 902e is located on a part of the surface 902d1 of the inner wall 902d, and sparks are generated on the surface 902d1. Even in this case, since the inner wall 902d has the above-mentioned polygonal pyramid shape, the other surfaces 902d2, 902d3 and 902d4 of the inner wall 902d serve as walls to prevent the spread of sparks. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress the sparks from scattering to the cleaning frame 20.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the restriction area K is defined as follows. That is, in a case where an arbitrary point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the outermost surface 902f is a first point and a point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the outermost surface 902f at a position opposite to the first point in a cross section passing through the vertex and the first point is a second point, the area between the first line connecting the vertex P and the first point and the second line connecting the vertex P and the second point is the restriction area K. And, the angle between the first line and the second line is configured to be 120° or more.

[0119] In other words, in the case where any of the plurality of flat surfaces constituting the inner wall 902d is a first flat surface and the flat surface at a position opposite to the first flat surface is a second flat surface, the area from the first flat surface to the second flat surface is a restricted area K that restricts the scattering of sparks. In the present embodiment, the restricted area K is configured to be 120° or more. That is, the angle between the first flat surface and the second flat surface is configured to be 120° or more. Specifically, the angle between the surface 902d1 and the surface 902d3 opposite to the surface 902d1 is configured to be 120° or more, and the angle between the surface 902d2 and the surface 902d4 opposite to the surface 902d2 is configured to be 120° or more. The upper limit of the angle of the restricted area K is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0120] Incidentally, in the above example, the inner wall 902d is configured to have a concave shape with a polygonal pyramid shape, however, the inner wall 902d may have a conical shape. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the inner wall 902d parallel to the outermost surface 902f may have an elliptical shape other than a polygonal shape or a circular shape or a shape combining an arc and a plane, etc.

[0121] <Other embodiments>

[0122] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example of the configuration of the electrode plate provided to the process cartridge B as a cartridge is described, however, this is an example of the configuration and its effect is not limited to the process cartridge B, but, for example, it may be a conductive contact portion provided to the developing unit 15. In this case, for example, at least any one of the developing roller 16, the supply roller 13, and the developing blade 18 corresponds to the processing member.

[0123] Here, the cartridge refers to a member that includes at least one of a processing member such as a developer, an image bearing member such as a photosensitive drum, and a charging member acting on the photosensitive drum, and can be mounted to and removed from the main assembly of an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type. Typical examples of cartridges include a process cartridge that combines a photosensitive drum and a developing unit, a drum cartridge that includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, and a cleaning member (the above-mentioned cleaning unit), a developing cartridge (the above-mentioned developing unit), and a toner cartridge that accommodates toner. The present invention is applicable to these various types of cartridges.

[0124] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an image forming apparatus including a single photosensitive drum is described, however, the present invention is not limited thereto but may be applied to, for example, a tandem type color image forming apparatus including a plurality of photosensitive drums.

[0125] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a laser printer is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, however, an LED printer or the like may also be an example of an image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium (e.g., plain paper, a synthetic resin sheet as a substitute for plain paper, thick paper, a sheet material such as a sheet for an overhead projector, etc.) using an electrophotographic imaging type. Therefore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a copier, a printer, a fax machine, and a multifunction machine including a plurality of these functions.

[0126] In addition, the disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0127] (Construction 1)

[0128] A box comprising:

[0129] frame;

[0130] a processing member supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; and

[0131] an electrode member electrically connected to the processing member,

[0132] wherein the electrode member includes an electrical contact portion which is exposed to the outside of the cartridge and to which power for being supplied to the processing member is supplied from the outside of the cartridge, and

[0133] The electrical contact portion includes a first surface that is a flat surface, a second surface that is located outside the frame in a normal direction of the first surface than the first surface, and a connecting surface that connects the first surface and the second surface.

[0134] (Construction 2)

[0135] The cartridge according to Configuration 1, wherein the connection surface is inclined with respect to the normal direction of the first surface.

[0136] (Construction 3)

[0137] A box according to construction 1 or 2, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the first surface, when any point on the boundary of the connecting surface and the second surface is a first point and a point at a position opposite to the first point on the boundary of the connecting surface and the second surface is a second point, an angle between a first line connecting the center of the first surface and the first point and a second line connecting the center and the second point is greater than 120°.

[0138] (Construction 4)

[0139] A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, and

[0140] wherein, in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the first surface is arranged so that an angle of the first surface relative to a direction of gravity is greater than or equal to -45° and less than or equal to +45°.

[0141] (Construction 5)

[0142] A cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the connection surface is provided to cover an entire periphery of the first surface.

[0143] (Construction 6)

[0144] The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the frame is composed of a resin material having a flame retardancy of HB based on UL94 standards.

[0145] (Construction 7)

[0146] A cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the electrode member is made of metal.

[0147] (Construction 8)

[0148] A cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the processing member is a charging roller configured to charge a surface of a photosensitive member.

[0149] (Structure 9)

[0150] A cartridge that can be mounted to and removed from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:

[0151] frame;

[0152] a processing member supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; and

[0153] an electrode member electrically connected to the processing member,

[0154] wherein the electrode member includes an electrical contact portion which is exposed to the outside of the cartridge and is configured to contact a main assembly-side electrode member of the main assembly, and

[0155] The electrical contact portion includes a first surface constructed of a plurality of flat surfaces having different angles from each other along normal directions thereof, and a second surface positioned at an outer side of the frame than the first surface.

[0156] (Construction 10)

[0157] The box according to Configuration 9, wherein the plurality of flat surfaces connect the second surface and a vertex farthest from the second surface.

[0158] (Structure 11)

[0159] A box according to construction 10, wherein, when any point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the second surface is a first point and a point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the second surface at a position opposite to the first point in a cross section passing through the vertex and the first point is a second point, an angle between a first line connecting the vertex and the first point and a second line connecting the vertex and the second point is greater than 120°.

[0160] (Structure 12)

[0161] The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 9 to 11, wherein the frame is composed of a resin material having a flame retardancy of HB based on UL94 standards.

[0162] (Structure 13)

[0163] A cartridge according to any one of Configurations 9 to 12, wherein the electrode member is made of metal.

[0164] (Structure 14)

[0165] A cartridge according to any one of Configurations 9 to 13, wherein the processing member is a charging roller configured to charge a surface of a photosensitive member.

[0166] (Structure 15)

[0167] An imaging device, comprising:

[0168] A main assembly of the imaging device; and

[0169] a process cartridge which can be mounted to or removed from the main assembly and includes a photosensitive member, a charging member configured to charge a surface of the photosensitive member, a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member, and a cleaning member configured to clean the surface of the photosensitive member,

[0170] The process cartridge is a cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

[0171] (Construction 16)

[0172] A box comprising:

[0173] a photosensitive drum configured to rotate about a first rotation axis;

[0174] a developing roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum and to rotate about a second rotation axis;

[0175] a developing blade configured to regulate a layer thickness of the toner carried by the developing roller;

[0176] a supply roller configured to supply the toner to the developing roller;

[0177] a first electrical contact portion electrically connected to the developing roller and to which power for being supplied to the developing roller is supplied from the outside of the cartridge;

[0178] a second electrical contact portion which is electrically connected to the developing blade and to which electric power for being supplied to the developing blade is supplied from the outside of the cartridge; and

[0179] a third electrical contact portion which is electrically connected to the supply roller and to which electric power for being supplied to the supply roller is supplied from the outside of the cartridge,

[0180] In which, in a case where an imaginary line passing through the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis when viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis is a first imaginary line, the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion and the third electrical contact portion are arranged on a second imaginary line parallel to the first imaginary line and are aligned in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends when viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis.

[0181] (Structure 17)

[0182] A cartridge according to Configuration 16, wherein, among the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion, the first electrical contact portion is located farthest from the developing roller as viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis.

[0183] (Structure 18)

[0184] A cartridge according to configuration 16 or 17, wherein, in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends, the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion are arranged in this order from a side close to the developing roller.

[0185] (Structure 19)

[0186] A box according to any one of structures 16 to 18, wherein the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion and the third electrical contact portion have a longer length in a direction perpendicular to the second imaginary line as they are farther away from the developing roller in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends.

[0187] (Construction 20)

[0188] A cartridge according to any one of configurations 16 to 19, further comprising a drum unit including the photosensitive drum and a developing unit including the developing roller, the supply roller and the developing blade being rotatably supported by the drum unit around a swing axis in a direction in which the developing roller approaches the photosensitive drum,

[0189] When viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis, the position of the swing axis is between the position of the second rotation axis and the position of the first electrical contact portion in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends.

[0190] [Industrial Applicability]

[0191] According to the present invention, there are provided a cartridge having a high degree of freedom in selecting a material for a frame and an image forming apparatus provided with the cartridge.

[0192] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0193] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-102277 filed on June 24, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A box comprising: frame; a processing member supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; as well as an electrode member electrically connected to the processing member, wherein the electrode member includes an electrical contact portion which is exposed to the outside of the cartridge and to which power for being supplied to the processing member is supplied from the outside of the cartridge, and The electrical contact portion includes a first surface that is a flat surface, a second surface that is positioned at an outer side of the frame than the first surface along a normal direction of the first surface, and a connecting surface that connects the first surface and the second surface.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein The connecting surface is inclined relative to a normal direction of the first surface.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein In a cross section perpendicular to the first surface, when any point on the boundary of the connecting surface and the second surface is a first point and a point at a position opposite to the first point on the boundary of the connecting surface and the second surface is a second point, an angle between a first line connecting the center of the first surface and the first point and a second line connecting the center and the second point is greater than 120°.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The cartridge is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, and wherein, in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the first surface is arranged so that an angle of the first surface relative to a direction of gravity is greater than or equal to -45° and less than or equal to +45°.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The connecting surface is arranged to cover the entire periphery of the first surface.

6. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The frame is made of a resin material having a flame retardancy of HB based on the UL94 standard.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The electrode member is made of metal.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The processing member is a charging roller configured to charge the surface of the photosensitive member.

9. A cartridge that can be mounted to and removed from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: frame; a processing member supported by the frame and used for imaging processing; as well as an electrode member electrically connected to the processing member, wherein the electrode member includes an electrical contact portion which is exposed to the outside of the cartridge and is configured to contact a main assembly-side electrode member of the main assembly, and The electrical contact portion includes a first surface constructed of a plurality of flat surfaces and a second surface positioned at an outer side of the frame than the first surface, and angles along normal directions of the plurality of flat surfaces are different from each other.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein The plurality of flat surfaces connect the vertices farthest from the second surface and the second surface.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein In a case where an arbitrary point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the second surface is a first point and a point on the boundary of the plurality of flat surfaces and the second surface at a position opposite to the first point in a cross section passing through the vertex and the first point is a second point, an angle between a first line connecting the vertex and the first point and a second line connecting the vertex and the second point is 120° or more.

12. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein The frame is made of a resin material having a flame retardancy of HB based on the UL94 standard.

13. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein The electrode member is made of metal.

14. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein The processing member is a charging roller configured to charge the surface of the photosensitive member.

15. An imaging device comprising: a main assembly of the imaging device; as well as a process cartridge which can be mounted to or removed from the main assembly and includes a photosensitive member, a charging member configured to charge a surface of the photosensitive member, a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member, and a cleaning member configured to clean the surface of the photosensitive member, wherein the process cartridge is a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A box comprising: a photosensitive drum configured to rotate about a first rotation axis; a developing roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum and to rotate about a second rotation axis; a developing blade configured to regulate a layer thickness of the toner carried by the developing roller; a supply roller configured to supply the toner to the developing roller; a first electrical contact portion electrically connected to the developing roller and to which power for being supplied to the developing roller is supplied from the outside of the cartridge; a second electrical contact portion which is electrically connected to the developing blade and to which electric power for being supplied to the developing blade is supplied from the outside of the cartridge; as well as a third electrical contact portion which is electrically connected to the supply roller and to which electric power for being supplied to the supply roller is supplied from the outside of the cartridge, In which, in a case where an imaginary line passing through the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis when viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis is a first imaginary line, the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion and the third electrical contact portion are arranged on a second imaginary line parallel to the first imaginary line and are aligned in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends when viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis.

17. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein As viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis, among the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion, the first electrical contact portion is located closest to the developing roller.

18. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein As viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis, among the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion, the first electrical contact portion is located at a position farthest from the developing roller.

19. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein In the direction in which the second imaginary line extends, the first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion are arranged in this order from a side close to the developing roller.

20. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein: In the direction in which the second imaginary line extends, the second electrical contact portion, the third electrical contact portion, and the first electrical contact portion are arranged in this order from a side close to the developing roller.

21. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein: The third electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the first electrical contact portion are arranged in this order from a side close to the developing roller as viewed in a direction in which the second imaginary line extends.

22. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein: The first electrical contact portion, the second electrical contact portion, and the third electrical contact portion have longer lengths in a direction perpendicular to the second imaginary line as they are farther from the developing roller in a direction in which the second imaginary line extends.

23. A cartridge according to claim 16, further comprising a drum unit including the photosensitive drum and a developing unit including the developing roller, the supply roller and the developing blade being rotatably supported by the drum unit about a swing axis in a direction in which the developing roller approaches the photosensitive drum, in, When viewed in the direction of the first rotation axis, the position of the swing axis is located between the position of the second rotation axis and the position of the first electrical contact portion in the direction in which the second imaginary line extends.

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